Apparatus for clamping umbilical cords and the like



M. GARLAND April 21, 1953 APPARATUS FOR CLAMPING UMBILICAL CORDS AND THE LIKE Filed July 11, 1949 M. d w c F lNVENTOR MATHER GARLAND ATTORNEYS tages: operation of the pliers;

Patented Apr. 21, .1953

OFFICE APPARATUS FOR CLAMPIN G UMBILICAL CORDS AND THE LIKE Mather Garland, Mound, Minn.

Application July 11, 1949, Serial No. 104,014

4 Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus including a highly efficient clamp for sealing and clamping an umbilical cord or analogous tubular vessel or conduit.

Various umbilical clips and funis clamps have been patented and in some instances, put into restricted use but all of these devices, to my knowledge, have been objectionable for one reason or the other. In some instances, umbilical clamps heretofore used have been unsafe for the reason that the jaw members of the clamping structure were not permanently secured in operative relation. In many instances, the clip or clamp could not be applied until after cutting of the cord and then only with diificulty while in other instances, the clamp could not be depended upon to thoroughly clamp and seal the cord and retain the same in sealed relation.

It is an object of my invention to provide apparatus comprising a highly efficient metal clamp cooperatively related with a special pliers to enable the clamp to be positively applied and locked from an open position, receiving the uncut cord and bent and formed to give double strength and a greater area for efiiciently clamping flexible tubular members such as cords of various sizes.

Another object is the provision of an improved, metallic clamp in combination with an ingenious and specially conceived pliers for forming and locking said clamp upon a flexible tubular element or shank whereby a substantially permanent locking is effected with complete sealing of the clamped tubular member such as an umbilical cord.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will more fully appear from the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views and in which:

.Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of my improved clamp in open position, ready for application to a cord or shank;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation showing my special clamp operating, forming and locking pliers in initial clamp retaining position with one of my clamps positioned therein for application;

Fig. 3 is a similar view with the handle portions of the pliers broken a'way showing the position of the jaws of the pliers and the legs of the clamp during the first stages of the clamp-applying operation;

Fig. 4 is a similar view showing the positioning of the jaws of the pliers and the formationof the cl'ampl-and sealing of the flexible cord in the last Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the clamp applied to a portion of the umbilical cord;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the clamp operatively applied to a section of cord;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the operating face of the lower jaw of the pliers detached; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the operating face of the upper jaw of the pliers detached; and

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a somewhat simplified embodiment of my clamp.

As shown in the drawings (see particularly Figs. 1 and 2) my clamp or umbilical clip is preferably integrally formed from a strip of non-corrosive, somewhat flexible metal such as thin aluminum or aluminum alloy which is capable of being forcibly bent and retaining its shape when bent and which preferably is somewhat malleable. The clamp indicated as an entirety by the numeral I0, is before operation thereof, in the general form of a letter V having an apex Illa medially of its length and having a pair of legs lb and [0c diverging therefrom. The longer leg l0c at its extremity is inturned to form a normally open locking flange Hid related to the adjacent portion of the leg in the manner of a small inverted V. Longer leg lflc as shown, is bent along a line Hie at its intermediate portion although this is not an essential factor for correct operation of the device.

The shorter leg Illb terminates in preferably a straight end l0) adapted during application and forming of my clamp through the cooperation of a pair of special pliers P to be projected beneath the locking flange llld of the longer leg and thereafter positively locked and clinched under said flange. Leg 10b also is preferably bent at an intermediate portion closer to its extremity than in the case of the longer leg to present an obtuse angle although this bending is not essential to the shape functioning or operation of my apparatus.

In the form of clamps shown in Fig. l, the longer leg lflc is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel ribs Illr protruding from the inner surface thereof and extending from points adjacent the apex lfla to points short of the bent extremity llld. These ribs may be convemently formed by a die in corrugated manner a and serve to reinforce the leg IUc as well as to provide between the ribs, a seating channel to receive a longitudinal rib IIJL formed centrally n the leg lflb and protruding from the inner side thereof.

In the simpler form of my clamp shown in Fig.

perfected and provided a special tool, preferably in the form of a pair of pliers P having a pair of crossed shanks H and I2 pivoted adjacent their outer ends upon a pivot screw l and having a thumb and finger handle respectively Ha and l2a fixed to the extremities thereof. Shank II has integrally formed therewith, a jaw l3 having a curved outer portion and provided with a substantially arcuate, concave clamping surface l3ct near the outer extremity thereof and having a notch or shoulder l3b disposed just inwardly of the concave portion for seating and receiving the apex Illa of one of the clamps. The jaw [3 at its outer extremity is provided with an abutment finger I30 angled in relation to the adjacent portion of the jaw to form (as shown in Figs. 2 and 3) a seat to initially abut and retain the outer extremity of the leg Illc of one of my clamps. Jaw I3 is also preferably, but not necessarily provided with a pair of spaced retaining ears" i301 disposed just forwardly or outwardly of the apex retaining seat I31) and a second pair of strip-retaining ears l3e disposed just rearwardly of the shoulder and abutment extremity I30.

The shank l2 of the pliers has integrally formed or" otherwise rigidly secured therewith, a reversely' curved jaw indicated as an entirety by the number 14 and having at its outer portion, a convex clamping section Ma. opposed to the clamping jaw portion I3 and complementally shaped to the concave opposed jaw portion [3a. Jaw M isalso preferably provided with a pair of spaced strip -retaining ears Mb positioned medially'o'f the curved jaw surface and protruding from the side thereof t6 assist in retaining thest'raight end screen: lllf of'the clamp leg I lib.

I prefer to provide'means such as-a coil spring l6 for urging the shanks and consequently, jaws l3 and I l together with light pressure adequate te -retain the clamp It] in its open position.

In use, one of my clamps is readily applied to the pliers P with the jaws l3 and M. of the pliers in open position, asshown in Fig. 2, the apex Illa of the clamp being seated in theap'ex notch ISb ofjaw l3 and the ends'of the legs Nb and lllc' or the clamp being respect vel ngagdb'y'the convex clamping surface l'td of jaw "M and the abutment finger I30 of jaw l3 of'the pliers. The clamp is held in the open position for applica-'' tion shown i'nFig. 2 with the light tension placed on the jaws by spring l6" retaining the clamp from'falling out. The retaining shoulders 13b", 13a and brand I 4b serve to more securely retain the clamp or clip it although" they maybe dispensed with and satisfactory results obtained.

The clamp in the pliers P may then be moved to partially surround an umbilical c'O'rd'U or other tubular or shank like'member;

In surrounding position, as shown in Fig. 2, the jaws of the pliers are forced together by manipulation of the handles Ha arid 12a of the shanks, causing in the first closing movement of the jaws, the end I01) of the shorter leg to be moved towards the longer'leg me, its extremity slipping past the'hook' like clinching flange ltld of the longer leg to the position shown in Fig. 3. Further closihg movement of jaws l3 and I4 bends'and forms'the shorter leg i922" of the clamp first to substantially a straight" position with the extremity l0 longitudinally movin'g' outwardly'beneath the clinching'flarige Hid. Thereafter, closing movement of the plier'jaws starts the curving or bowing of the two leg members E01) and lllc shortening the over-all length of the doubled clamp member and bringing the book flange [0d into position beneath the outer portion of the convex jaw clamping surface Ma. At this time, the extremity of the longer leg lllc has become disengaged by the abutment finger l3c and is interposed between the opposed extremities of the cooperating clamping surfaces I31! and [4a of the two jaws, as shown in Fig. 4.

The jaws l3 and I4 are moved together to the extreme limit of movement, clamping the legs tightly against the cord'or shank U and forming the clamp into the ar-cuate, operative position shown in Figs. 4 to 6 inclusive for tightly sealing the cord or tube and for very positively afiixing the clamp to the cord, tube or shank.

It is to be understood that all of the longitudinal edges of my clamp are nicely rounded to prevent any possible cutting of skin or cord at the area of stricture or in adjacent portions thereof.

When the form of clamp illustrated in Fig; l is used, the longitudinal rib IOL of the shorter leg lflb seats in the channel formed between the spaced, longitudinal ribs I01 of the longer leg: [00,. producing even amore'effective sealing action of a tubular cord when the clamp is applied'tha-n that obtained from the simpler form of clamp shown in Fig. 9. My clamp or clip I0 is of such simplicity and is so light that when used for clamping an umbilical cord, it may be retainedby the baby" until the cord sloughs off. It cannot produce any injury because of its'structure. and

the rounded longitudinal edges of the legs [0b and lilo.

The inherent form of-the clamp m and its formation and bending into arcuate shape byv the carrying out of my method and the useof my forming and clinching jaws, results in a strong, rigid construction of double thickness the structure were retained in straight line:

clamping position.

It will be furtherseerl that case and accuracy 5Lof application of my structure due tothe'comand clamping the structure, is an important" factor. For medical or surgical uses, the clamp i may be instantlyapplied b'efor'e' the umbilical cord is cut.

While my structure and method has paruc ular applicabilityfor' surgical use an umbilical cords and other conduits of the human bodyiitis also well adapted for use asan attachment tag or identification" for application to thele'gs of fowls or for application to rods or shank like elements of mechanical structure oriapparatus.

It will of course, be understood that various" changes may be made in the form, details, ar

rangement and proportions of the parts withoutdeparting from the scope of my'mvenuon.

What I claim is:

1. In combination, a clamp-applying and form- 'ing tool and a clamp for closureof an attachment to an umbilical cord or other tubularor shank-like element, said clamp comprising a stiff, bendable metal strip originally formed to have a pair of spaced, opposing clamping'legs" at its extremity, the other of said legs being" shorter and terminating in a substantially straight end adapted for insertion beneath said locking flange, said tool comprising a pair of opposing clamp-engaging jaws, one of said jaws being convexly curved to engage the extremity and thereafter, the medial portion of the shorter leg of said clamp, the other of said jaws being concavely curved in complement to said first jaw and opposed thereto, said second jaw having a seat for retaining said element of the medial interconnecting portion of said clamp and having a shoulder adjacent its extremity for en gagement with the extremity of the longer leg of said clamp during initial operation of said tool and means for forcing said jaws together and apart.

2. In combination, a clamp-forming and applying pliers and a clamp for closing an umbilical cord or other flexible, tubular or shanklike element, said clamp comprising a generally V-shaped metal strip constructed of material which is bendable and will retain its shape when bent, said strip having an intermediate apex and a pair of clamping legs diverging therefrom before said clamp is applied, one of said legs having a locking hook at its extremity, the other of said legs being shorter and terminating in a substantially straight end adapted for insertion beneath said locking hook, said pliers comprising a pair of opposing clamp-engaging jaws, one of said jaws being convexly curved to engage the extremity and thereafter, the medial portion of the shorter leg of said clamp, the other of said jaws being concavely curved in complement to said first jaw and opposed thereto, said jaw having an apex-retaining groove disposed inwardly of said concave curve and having a shoulder adjacent its extremity for engagement with the extremity of said longer leg during initial operation of said pliers.

3. In combination, a clamp-applying and forming tool and a clamp for closure of and attachment to an umbilical cord or other tubular or shank like element, said clamp comprising a stiff, bendable metal strip adapted to retain itself in a bent or deformed position and originally formed to have a pair of spaced, opposing clamping legs and a medial interconnecting portion, said interconnecting portion having a bend for retention in a seat or shoulder provided by said tool, one of said legs having an inwardly bent extremity to constitute a locking flange, the other of said legs being shorter and terminating in a substantially straight end, adapted for insertion beneath said locking flange, said tool comprising a pair of opposing clamp-engaging jaws, one of said jaws being convexly curved to engage the extremity and thereafter the medial portion of the shorter leg of said clamp, the other of said jaws being concavely curved in complement to said first jaw and opposed thereto, said second jaw having a seat or shoulder for retaining said bend on the medial interconnecting portion of said clamp and having an element adjacent its extremity for engagement with the outer portion of the longer leg of said clamp during initial operation and means for forcing said jaws together and apart.

4. A clamp forming and applying pliers for operation upon a bendable, metal clamp strip having the general shape of a V and provided on one of the legs of said V with a terminal looking hook, said pliers comprising a pair of opposing clamp-engaging jaws, one of said jaws near the extremity thereof being convexly curved to engage and form the medial portion of one of the legs of the clamp, the other of said jaws being concavely curved in complement to said first jaw and opposed thereto, said second jaw having a shoulder for retaining the apex portion of the V-shaped clamp and having an element adjacent its extremity for engagement with the extremity and locking hook of the second leg of the clamp during initial operation and means for forcing said jaws together and apart.

MATHER GARLAND.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

